EZ Swap LLC services the Pontiac Grand AM in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005. If your Grand AM has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Grand AM owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 102 owner complaints on file for the Grand AM and 4 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (40), exterior lighting (12), fuel system, gasoline (11).
Most-Reported Pontiac Grand AM Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Grand AM (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 40 | 39% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 12 | 11% | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 11 | 10% | |
| Engine | 10 | 9% | |
| Air Bags | 10 | 9% | |
| Steering | 8 | 7% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 5 | 4% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | 4% |
Electrical System
40 of the 102 complaints (39%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Exterior Lighting
12 of the 102 complaints (11%) mention lighting and visibility. Lights, wipers and visibility items are quick to fix and are on every rideshare inspection checklist. We check them as part of our inspection prep. See our rideshare inspection prep page.
Fuel System, Gasoline
11 of the 102 complaints (10%) mention the fuel system. Fuel system problems can cause stalling, hard starts and poor mileage. We test fuel delivery and related sensors to find the real cause. See our no-start diagnostics and check engine light diagnostics pages.
Pontiac Grand AM Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Grand AM, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Pontiac.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Grand AM? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Pontiac Grand AM Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Grand AM in these model years, most often involving electrical system, exterior lighting, suspension. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2014 recall, Electrical System (campaign 14V400000): This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key.
- 2009 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 09E012000): SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- 2007 recall, Fuel System, Other (campaign 07E021000): CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- 2005 recall, Suspension (campaign 05V054000): CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BOLTS THAT ARE NOT TO SPECIFICATION AND COULD FRACTURE UNDER HIGH LOADS THAT CAN OCCUR IN SOME DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Grand AM, 15 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 7 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Pontiac Grand AM Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Pontiac will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Grand AM that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Grand AM owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Pontiac Grand AM, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Pontiac Grand AM Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Pontiac Grand AM repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Rideshare Inspection Prep
Get approved for Uber, Lyft and more.
Details →No-Start Diagnostics
Find out why it will not start.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Pontiac Grand AM FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Pontiac Grand AM?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Pontiac Grand AM are electrical system (40), exterior lighting (12), fuel system, gasoline (11). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Grand AM model years have the most complaints?
The Grand AM model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Pontiac Grand AM. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Pontiac Grand AM have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the Pontiac Grand AM across model years 2005. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Pontiac Grand AM in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Pontiac vehicles including the Grand AM, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Pontiac Grand AM?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Pontiac Grand AM in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Pontiac Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.